Turanga Health’s mobile clinic is in Wellington as part of the 2016 Mobile Health Rural Nurses Meeting. During a break from presentations to rural health staff, a range of the country’s mobile health vehicles went on display for public and politicians to check out.

Mobile health clinics like Turanga Health’s Piki te Ora (or ’The Bus’ as it is affectionately known) are used widely around the world as “patient care anywhere” is becoming the reality, says Turanga Health chief executive Reweti Ropiha.

Turanga Health’s mobile bus was purchased in 2011 and is used to manage patient clinics in rural areas. When people come inside and see it is a fully functional clinic room they are pleasantly surprised, says Mr Ropiha. “As well as nurse clinics, Turanga Health has an easier way of offering influenza immunisation in woolsheds; on-site work place health checks; and drug and alcohol advice to teenagers at sports events.”

Mobile healthcare vehicles have been operating in New Zealand since the early 90’s. These vehicles allow access to health care where the cost of having a bricks and mortar facility is prohibitive or the population is not large enough to fully utilise the service.

The unique opportunity to see inside some very specialised and healthcare vehicles was enjoyed by hundreds of people in Wellington. Piki te Ora was parked alongside mobile surgical and dental units, the mobile Breastscreen unit, a mobile diagnostics vehicle, and a lithotripsy bus.

Turanga Health nurse Liz Mackenzie, and service manager Dwayne Tamatea are attending the Mobile Health Rural Nurses Meeting. They will show off Piki te Ora during open days at Te Papa this Thursday and Friday.